Democrats Take Charge, Face Tough Road

Now That They Will Control Both Houses, Democratic Party Has The Burden Of Delivering On Promises

(CBS/AP)  The anti-GOP wave that upended Congress rewarded Democrats with new opportunities to help set the national agenda — and burdened them with the task of delivering on voters expectations.

"Time for a change," Sen. Harry Reid of Nevada, who likely will become the new Senate Majority Leader next year, said Thursday at a victory rally outside the Capitol. "This country has spoken loudly and clearly."

Between their promise to increase the minimum wage and their vow to seek a new direction in Iraq lies the difference over what is achievable and what might fall beyond their reach.

"Simply having the title of majority is not enough," said Sen. Richard Durbin of Illinois, the second-ranking Democratic leader in the Senate. "It's a long litany of challenges before us."

Reid and Rep. Nancy Pelosi, the would-be Speaker of the House, savored their victories on Wednesday but struck conciliatory tones, promising to work in a bipartisan way with congressional Republicans and the president.

"This is not a juggernaut just slicing through town," Reid said.

Pelosi and President Bush have had a contentious relationship. However, though strained smiles, they tried to get the message out that they were prepared to work together after a luncheon meeting at the White House on Thursday, reports CBS News chief White House correspondent Jim Axelrod.

"We won't agree on every issue, but we do agree that we love America equally, that we're concerned about the future of this country," Mr. Bush said.

Democrats won the slim 51-49 majority in the Senate with the victory of Democrat Jim Webb over Republican Sen. George Allen in a hard-fought Senate race in Virginia. Allen was told by his advisers that the numbers just weren't there and a recount — which could have dragged things out for weeks — wouldn't help him, CBS News Radio correspondent Bob Fuss reports. Allen conceded on Thursday.

With some races too close to call, Democrats held 230 seats in the House, 10 more than a bare majority. They appeared to be in line to win two more.

For Democrats, winning control of both chambers of Congress raises the stakes.

Besides hiking the minimum wage, they want to act quickly on legislation to enact recommendations of the 9/11 Commission, to reduce dependence on foreign oil, to expand stem cell research and to reduce the price of drugs offered through Medicare. All those pose potential legislative challenges, but none more than the Democrats' pledge to seek a new direction in the war in Iraq.

Surveys of voters conducted on Election Day showed that almost three out of five disapproved of the war and were more inclined to vote for the Democratic candidate. Only a third of voters said the war had improved the long-term security of the United States.

Still, the strategic course of the war is set by the president. Congress has little leverage to force the president to change course. Mr. Bush sent Congress a signal on Wednesday when he announced he would replace Secretary of State Donald H. Rumsfeld. The change, Mr. Bush said, would provide a "fresh perspective" on the war.

Recognizing Congress' limitation, Pelosi said that when it comes to Iraq, "it's not about the Democrats in Congress forcing the president's hand."

The first test on the war for Democrats could come next year when Mr. Bush sends Congress a spending bill to pay for operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. Democrats have said they will not hold war appropriations hostage in exchange for policy changes. Instead, they are hoping Mr. Bush will heed the results of the election and the upcoming recommendations of a bipartisan Iraq study group led by former Secretary of State James Baker.

"The president is the president of the United States," she said. "I hope that he will listen to the voices of the people and, again, putting aside partisanship and looking to a partnership to end this war."

Even with a majority, Democrats can't count on passing everything they want, reports CBS News correspondent Sharyl Atkisson. As a minority, Republicans can always filibuster in the Senate, and the President still has his veto pen.

Democrats in the House would be unable to override a presidential veto on their own, and it only takes 41 senators to filibuster legislation.

"The minority, as long as it has more than 41 people together, can have a great deal of impact on whether something passes at all, or, if it passes, what form it takes," said Sen. Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, who's in line to become the new Senate Republican leader.

Some Republicans cautioned against an obstructionist approach.

"If we do that, shame on us," said Sen. George Voinovich, R-Ohio. "If the Democrats do what I would do if I were them and reach out with a list of things to do, and if we're depicted as standing on the outside trying to prevent that from happening, it would be terrible for the country. And it's stupid politics."

Democrats already were offering to cooperate when the House and Senate reconvene under Republican control next week for a post-election session. The agenda includes unfinished business on legislation ranging from offshore drilling to a nuclear agreement with India to tax incentives for the production of alternative energy.

Also unfinished, however, are 10 spending bills needed to keep the government operating. Officials said it was possible lawmakers would simply leave final action on those bills to the new Congress. That would saddle Democrats with the task of tidying up the past when they would rather be looking to the future.

[frankly6]

Here's a few good reasons to apologize to the troops and their families. See if you can figure out who owes them one.

1. For asking them to lay down their lives for a lie and continuing to lie when those lies were exposed.

2. For pretending to support and care about the troops while you underpay, under man, under equip, and ask them to do a job that you did not train them to do.

3. For pretending to care about them while simultaneously cutting funding for their healthcare when they get injured.

4. For bungling the planning and execution of the war/reconstruction and asking them to lay down their lives playing referee in a civil war.

5. For using this war as an opportunity to enrich yourselves and your friends with corrupt no-bid contracts and sending cronies to oversee the rebuilding.

6. For listening to pundits instead of the experts who told you that this would go exactly the way it has.

7. For pretending to know or even care what offends the troops.

8. For telling the troops they're coming home and keeping them there and or repeatedly sending them back.

It's time for you "bumper-sticker patriots" to challenge yourselves by looking deeper than the slogans and sound-bites and really start being concerned about what's happening to our troops.

[getcentered]

Bush won't rally the GOP or Republicans.

Republicans are wallowing in the mess they advocated for in Iraq.

I hope they all stay home and think about what they've done.

The Democrats should take control so we get to see the depth of the GOP/Republican incompetence in Congress.

[bluestardad]

Where is Mark Foley? Why is he not in Jail? He solicited underage children for ***. Why has he not been charged? Why is he permitted to roam free after his 30 days in Rehab? Is there a different standard for child predators if they are from Congress? If he were on Dateline NBC he would have been arrested. Please let us know and take action, the American People are watching.

[frankly6]

The Center For Media AND Public Afairs is a GOP funded and run organisation. If you've got something from a nonpartisan source let's see it.

The U.S. media are rapidly being monopolized by a dwindling number of parent corporations, all of whom have conservative economic agendas. The media are also critically dependent upon corporations for advertising. As a result, the news almost completely ignores corporate crime, as well as pro-labor and pro-consumer issues. Surveys of journalists show that the majority were personally liberal in the 1980s, but today they are centrists, with more conservatives than liberals on economic issues. However, no study has proven that they give their personal bias to the news. On the other hand, the political spectrum of pundits -- who do engage in noisy editorializing -- leans heavily to the right. The most extreme example of this is talk radio, where liberals are almost nonexistent. The Fairness Doctrine was designed to prevent one-sided bias in the media by requiring broadcasters to air opposing views. It once enjoyed the broad support of both liberals and conservatives. But now that the media have become increasingly owned and controlled by corporations, conservatives defiantly oppose the Fairness Doctrine. This is probably the best proof that the media's bias is conservative, not liberal.

[frankly6]

The Center For Media AND Public Afairs is a GOP funded and run organisation. If you've got something from a nonpartisan source let's see it.

The U.S. media are rapidly being monopolized by a dwindling number of parent corporations, all of whom have conservative economic agendas. The media are also critically dependent upon corporations for advertising. As a result, the news almost completely ignores corporate crime, as well as pro-labor and pro-consumer issues. Surveys of journalists show that the majority were personally liberal in the 1980s, but today they are centrists, with more conservatives than liberals on economic issues. However, no study has proven that they give their personal bias to the news. On the other hand, the political spectrum of pundits -- who do engage in noisy editorializing -- leans heavily to the right. The most extreme example of this is talk radio, where liberals are almost nonexistent. The Fairness Doctrine was designed to prevent one-sided bias in the media by requiring broadcasters to air opposing views. It once enjoyed the broad support of both liberals and conservatives. But now that the media have become increasingly owned and controlled by corporations, conservatives defiantly oppose the Fairness Doctrine. This is probably the best proof that the media's bias is conservative, not liberal.

[frankly6]

Conservatives often promote the myth that the U.S. media are liberal. This myth serves several purposes: it raises public skepticism about liberal news stories, hides conservative bias when it appears, and goads the media to the right. GOP strategist William Kristol also reveals another reason: "I admit it: the liberal media were never that powerful, and the whole thing was often used as an excuse by conservatives for conservative failures." (1)

In unguarded moments, however, even far-right figures like Pat Buchanan come clean: "The truth is, I've gotten fairer, more comprehensive coverage of my ideas than I ever imagined I would receive." He further conceded: "I've gotten balanced coverage and broad coverage -- all we could have asked%u2026 For heaven sakes, we kid about the liberal media, but every Republican on earth does that." (2)

So what's the real story? The fact is that conservatives have powerful friends in the media: the corporations that own them, and the corporations that pay for their advertising. These giant firms have been increasingly successful in bending the media's message to suit their self-interests, which include a conservative and pro-corporate agenda. Studies show that the media are eerily silent on the issues most important to workers, consumers and other citizens adversely affected by corporate behavior. Conservatives respond to these charges with (old) polls showing that most journalists are personally liberal, but these polls are outdated.

[getcentered]

perception5

Why was there bias?
Was it because the news talks alot about Iraq? Well then, I hope there is a bunch of the networks talking about Iraq, because it is a mess we should not be in. That's "bias" well placed.

If you look for bias, you're gonna find it. It's like the old saying goes, "Seek and yee shall find". If you want the news or if you WANT to be informed, then you're gonna have to change the channel, and by that I mean get more sources for your information. Watch all the channels; listen to the shows you "hate" sometimes. Open your mind and piece together what you think is important based on facts and logic, not emotions and talking points.

Stop being afraid of debate.

[getcentered]

Good question "bluestardad".

[Syndicate]

I was watching Fox last night and I could detect a diffrent tone. Was it bias? Maybe. But was it bias or was it the truth? CBS is obviously liberal. From the postings the customers write to the article selection. At this moment Fox has the Iran missle launch story on their web site. I could not find it here. I suspect because some one thaught it might help Republicans. CBS has a poll favoring Democrats as the lead story. I can't tell if fox leans right or it just looks that way because every one else is so far left. It makes since FOX has the highest ratings. Wich would suggest they are more unbiased.

This message is for undecided women voters: you are the group that can decide this election. That also makes you responsible for your own future, and mine. War is distasteful, and it is scary; that goes without saying. However, unless you look good in a designer BURKA, and are used to holding your tongue and hiding your face, heed these words well. right now, this war may be an ocean away, but it can just as easily follow us to the streets of New York, Detroit, Buffalo, and anytown, USA; 911 is proof of that. If you think for a moment that you in your cute little True Religion jeans would be spared a public beheading in Yankee Stadium, just so some twisted terrorist could make an example of you, then you are wrong! Sympathizing with the enemy will not save you! Pretending they don't exist will not save you! Only STANDING UP will save this country and your freedom!

Wake up women of America. Fear is you enemy; perhaps even more than the terrorists!

Please...help us win the war for FREEDOM! Vote Republican!

[clestes-2009]

nlvaller, stop the fear mongering. You insult we women to think we can be frightened by such tactics. It has been the unrelenting stupid policies of the Rep whitehouse and congress that has brought us to this point of danger. You think we don't know that??

[pima6]

bluestardad, enough with the foley comments. you are obviously a closet pedophile as proven by your fixation with the case. your jokes about it were old weeks ago. please let it go.

[lewyoowy]

cbs crash.

I dont see the Prez giving those long interviews to CNN or CBS.......only to Fox.....get it?

[sangjmoon]

Just proves Kerryism is worse than Bushism.

[oleander8]

To cbscrash07 " It makes since FOX has the highest ratings. Wich would suggest they are more unbiased"

Not necessarily - Dems do not get all their news from only a liberal source. They want to know what the "other side's" take is on a story too.

[tejasdemo]

Put a pointy hat on Bush at any Republican rally and you have yourself a KKK meeting

[bellal-2009]

nlvalter, I also hope women will not be misled into thinking the war in Iraq has made them less safe. I think women have been lulled into a comfort zone and think life is going to return to pre 9/11 days if only the Republicans were gone. Wishful and childish thinking, ladies, Those days are gone forever. George Bush has protected this country to the best of his abilities and we have not had another attack. As a mom, I'm very grateful. And I'll tell you having Nancy Pelosi two heartbeats away from Commander in Chief makes me more nervous than the wiretapping of suspected terrorists.

[tejasdemo]

As for all the Repubs who keep blabbing about Fox News ratings. Rocky and Bullwinkle used to get sky high ratings too. That doesnt mean that squirrels and moose actually stand upright and talk.

At least not where I come from. Of course, in the repub fantasyland maybe it does.

[bellal-2009]

Another comment on the women vote, the women in Iraq are fighting for US security and Iraq's future democracy. Support these women. They believe in what they're doing. They are brave young Americans. We love our women soldiers!

Fear mongering? I think not. What makes you think that you would be treated any better than any other hostage?

[clestes-2009]

bellaL, gw has protected this country?? Haven't you been paying attention to the news for the last 3 years? Here is a list of how Dubya has "protected" us:

1. let Osma Bin Laden escape capture.

2. Invaded a country that was no threat to us against the advice of experienced military leaders and foreign leaders. End result, civil war and guess who is caught in the middle. US troops.

3. Removed from power a democratically elected prime minister and put in power al-Maliki, who is a FRIEND and ALLY of al-Sadr, the chief insurgent. So when a wanted insurgent is captured, al-Maliki makes sure he is released so he can kill a few more US troops.

4. Took an economy that was in the black and plunged it into massive debt.

5. Instituted a dictatorship, by trying to destroy the constitution, which has protected our freedoms for over 200 years.

6. Trashed our reputation with our allies and made us the most hated country on earth.

With all these protections, who needs friends?

[huskerarmy]

"...this war may be an ocean away, but it can just as easily follow us to the streets of New York, Detroit, Buffalo, and anytown, USA; 911 is proof of that."

nlvaller,

The reason this is so clear to you and your ilk, inspite of the fact that the 911 Comission and the CIA has found no connection between Iraq and 911, is that you are used to lumping folks of similar characteristics into categories and stereotypes. It's a fatal flaw in your thinking.

[huskerarmy]

"The Democratic Party is officially dead."

Then there will be no reason for you to bother to vote One(misguided)American.

[huskerarmy]

"tejasdemo:
You seem pretty out of touch with American history.
Are you an illegal alien?"

So OneAmerican, all "Tejas" Democrats are illegal aliens? Sounds typically familiar, desperate and sad.

[bellal-2009]

Sorry, clestes, I don't live in LaLa land. Not having another horrific terrorist attack on our homeland is a big deal. As for the rest of it including the civil war we don't know what would have come about had the Iraqis had a military coupe to depose Saddam Hussein.

And as far as the economy, I'm just thankful we haven't had a long extended recession. That would have been much worse.

[bellal-2009]

Anti-Americanism has been around forever. It's just OK now to show it.

[huskerarmy]

"nlvalter, I also hope women will not be misled into thinking the war in Iraq has made them less safe."

Ask the folks in London if they feel the war has made them less safe. They stuck their necks out on our behalf and have paid the price. Of course we have taken steps to make the U.S. safer since 911 but, not nearly enough. And Iraq has only detracted from that effort. And when the CIA says that Iraq has become a "cause celeb" and recruiting bonanza for the terrorists, it is in my opinion fair to infer that Iraq has made us less safe.

[clestes-2009]

And as far as dumb statements go, Dubya is in top form with his last one.

"I'm pleased with the progress we're making," the president said. Pleased with the progress of:

1. almost 3000 US soldiers dead,
2. 600,000 civilians dead,
3. Iraq infrastructure completely destroyed, 4. billions of dollars missing,
5. 14,000 weapons missing (probably in the hands of the enemy),
6. a raging civil war brought on by the clumsy handling of Rumsfeld

And he's PLEASED with this?? How stupid is that?? What is wrong with you people?? Is all this OK with you??

[one_american]

Cut the cr@p, Democrats.

What is the Democrat's plan to secure the peace in Iraq and help them establish a Democracy?

What is the Democrat's plan to fight terrorism in the world today?

What is the Democrat's plan to deal with North Korean nuclear ambitions?

What is the Democrat's plan to deal with Iran's nuclear ambitions?

I have not heard even ONE Democrat explain how they would accomplish any of these goals.

You only have a few days to come up with something besides Bush-bashing propaganda.

Show America you really have a leg to stand on; or you will be voted down and cast as bad-mouthing, do-nothing, troop-bashing liberals and relegated to the trash-heap of history.

[huskerarmy]

"Anti-Americanism has been around forever. It's just OK now to show it."

Ever notice that those who wrap themselves in the flag and proclaim their love for America the loudest are the same ones who look at America through milk toast eyes, the land of milk and honey, the shinning city on the hill, were there is no poverty, at least none that isn't well deserved; our troops are well armed, well equiped and well protected, educated, white bread; everyone has adequate health care, the elderly can easily afford their medications and the youth has a fair and equal access to a college education and ultimately a chance to succeed regardless of race, color, creed or economic background?

The fact is that the America they love so much doesn't even exist. The America I love has her problems and yes inequities but I love her just the same. Regardless, it is our responsibility as Americans to address our problems.

"We have all made mistakes. But Dante tells us that divine justice weighs the sins of the cold-blooded and the sins of the warm-hearted on different scales. Better the occasional faults of a party living in the spirit of charity than the consistent omissions of a party frozen in the ice of its own indifference."

John F. Kennedy, 1960

[meshott]

With regards to Iraq we need to base our strategy on what would be best for Wal-mart as we have with China. Wal-mart and China are a joint venture and will make sure that N. Korea falls into line. Since Wal-mart has no interest in Iraq the U.S. as a nation shouldn't either. Our foreign policy should be based on WWWD. (what would Wal-mart do) Political leaders should ask Wal-mart how best to proceed in the Mid-East.

[one_american]

Cut the cr@p, Democrats.

What is the Democrat's plan to secure the peace in Iraq and help them establish a Democracy?

What is the Democrat's plan to fight terrorism in the world today?

What is the Democrat's plan to deal with North Korean nuclear ambitions?

What is the Democrat's plan to deal with Iran's nuclear ambitions?

I have not heard even ONE Democrat explain how they would accomplish any of these goals.

You only have a few days to come up with something besides Bush-bashing propaganda.

Show America you really have a leg to stand on; or you will be voted down and cast as bad-mouthing, do-nothing, troop-bashing liberals and relegated to the trash-heap of history.

[huskerarmy]

"I have not heard even ONE Democrat explain how they would accomplish any of these goals."

La, la, la, fingers in my ears, la, la, la, Stay the course, fingers in my ears, la, la, la, I haven't heard anything yet, la, la, la, Stay the course, fingers in my ears....

[one_american]

Avoiding the question.

[clestes-2009]

I have lots of ideas of how to start pulling this country back on course.

First off, I would replace Rumsfeld, Cheney, Bolton, Rice and anyone who had anything to do with getting Iraq into the mess it is today. I would send respected envoys to the middle east to try and convince them that all this instability is exremely dangerous and the current civil war that is raging in Iraq could easily spread to other countries and that is in no one's best interest. I would attempt to build a real coalition of allies and not refuse to talk to ANYONE. I would stop making stupid and useless threats.

I would raise taxes on the rich and refuse to give oil companies subsidies. I would concentrate on domestic issues like healthcare, education, the environment.

I would bring in a collection of people of all differing ideas and I would LISTEN to them.

[one_american]

clestes:

You didn't answer my question.

You just spouted nutroot moonbat liberal talking points.

I'll post again.

[meshott]

A Democrat just gave the WWWD solution all the Mid-east problems. This strategy makes as much sense as any the Bush administration has come up with.

[one_american]

Cut the cr@p, Democrats.

What is the Democrat's plan to secure the peace in Iraq and help them establish a Democracy?

What is the Democrat's plan to fight terrorism in the world today?

What is the Democrat's plan to deal with North Korean nuclear ambitions?

What is the Democrat's plan to deal with Iran's nuclear ambitions?

I have not heard even ONE Democrat explain how they would accomplish any of these goals.

You only have a few days to come up with something besides Bush-bashing propaganda.

Show America you really have a leg to stand on; or you will be voted down and cast as bad-mouthing, do-nothing, troop-bashing liberals and relegated to the trash-heap of history.

[one_american]

It's obvious that the liberals don't REALLY want to address the REAL ISSUES.

So I'll keep posting until we find someone who knows.

[one_american]

Cut the cr@p, Democrats.

What is the Democrat's plan to secure the peace in Iraq and help them establish a Democracy?

What is the Democrat's plan to fight terrorism in the world today?

What is the Democrat's plan to deal with North Korean nuclear ambitions?

What is the Democrat's plan to deal with Iran's nuclear ambitions?

I have not heard even ONE Democrat explain how they would accomplish any of these goals.

You only have a few days to come up with something besides Bush-bashing propaganda.

Show America you really have a leg to stand on; or you will be voted down and cast as bad-mouthing, do-nothing, troop-bashing liberals and relegated to the trash-heap of history.

[meshott]

What Would Wal-mart do?

[one_american]

Cut the cr@p, Democrats.

What is the Democrat's plan to secure the peace in Iraq and help them establish a Democracy?

What is the Democrat's plan to fight terrorism in the world today?

What is the Democrat's plan to deal with North Korean nuclear ambitions?

What is the Democrat's plan to deal with Iran's nuclear ambitions?

I have not heard even ONE Democrat explain how they would accomplish any of these goals.

You only have a few days to come up with something besides Bush-bashing propaganda.

Show America you really have a leg to stand on; or you will be voted down and cast as bad-mouthing, do-nothing, troop-bashing liberals and relegated to the trash-heap of history.

[meshott]

Secure the peace in Iraq by opening as many Wal-mart super-centers as possible withing the next year.

[one_american]

meshott:

You're not serious obviously. Just more "jokes" ala John Kerry.

Have you not heard of a Democrat Plan for any of the questions I ask?

[one_american]

Cut the cr@p, Democrats.

What is the Democrat's plan to secure the peace in Iraq and help them establish a Democracy?

What is the Democrat's plan to fight terrorism in the world today?

What is the Democrat's plan to deal with North Korean nuclear ambitions?

What is the Democrat's plan to deal with Iran's nuclear ambitions?

I have not heard even ONE Democrat explain how they would accomplish any of these goals.

You only have a few days to come up with something besides Bush-bashing propaganda.

Show America you really have a leg to stand on; or you will be voted down and cast as bad-mouthing, do-nothing, troop-bashing liberals and relegated to the trash-heap of history.

[clestes-2009]

Face it One_American, you can't handle anyone that makes any sense. You are so scared you are dithering like blubbering baby.

[one_american]

clestes:

Stop dithering yourself, clestes.

And stop avoiding the question.

If Bush's policies are so bad, you must have THE ANSWER, RIGHT?

So, enlighten us all.

Post THE DEMOCRAT'S PLAN. I WOULD LOVE TO HEAR IT.

[one_american]

Cut the cr@p, Democrats.

What is the Democrat's plan to secure the peace in Iraq and help them establish a Democracy?

What is the Democrat's plan to fight terrorism in the world today?

What is the Democrat's plan to deal with North Korean nuclear ambitions?

What is the Democrat's plan to deal with Iran's nuclear ambitions?

I have not heard even ONE Democrat explain how they would accomplish any of these goals.

You only have a few days to come up with something besides Bush-bashing propaganda.

Show America you really have a leg to stand on; or you will be voted down and cast as bad-mouthing, do-nothing, troop-bashing liberals and relegated to the trash-heap of history.

[duffyn]

I have no doubt the Democrats have plenty of plans. I don't see them broadcasting them any more then republicans are. Plans can be implemented once Democrats have the seats in both houses to do so. Plans are made by people and are born of their hearts and minds. The Democrats care so much for people and have so much better values then the current administration, I have no doubt that once they are control, things WILL become safer, better for most of us, instead of just the rich, corporations, etc and we will do better in Iraq.

[rharrin1]

BUSH RUNNING AROUND LIKE CRAZY TRYING TO SAVE HIS RUBBER STAMPS